Luckily enough, I have never really had to deal with intense breakouts or acne. However, my skin problem has always been my pores. I've been on a mission lately to find products that make my pores appear smaller, especially when wearing makeup.

Taking off any makeup at the end of the day and cleansing your face is an essential step in not only having clean, small pores, but also in having healthy skin. I avoid using a harsh cleanser on my face due to the fact that I have super sensitive skin. I love using the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser twice a day as it isn't harsh on my skin and gives the control to use a wide range of other skincare options.

I only recently started using a toner after many years of not bothering. I decided to opt for a toner that would help with my pores and I really love the Biore Triple Action Toner*. I use it a few times a week, especially before times I plan to wear a heavier face of makeup.

My nose area always seem to be one of my main areas of concern when it comes to enlarged pores, so occasionally I will use a pore strip. The Biore Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips* are really great, as the witch hazel and tea tree oil work really well for drawing out dirt that is buried deep into pores and removing excess oil.

Using a clay mask is a quick and easy way to draw dirt, oils and toxins out of your pores whilst leaving your skin soft. However, the best way to get the most out of your clay mask is to remove it before the mask goes dry. I know the drying and cracking of the mask is the most satisfying part, but the drying stage actually sucks the moisture out of your skin, causing dehydration and irritation. The Swisse Manuka Honey Mask works really well, and I love the Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque and the Primrose Facial Cleansing Masque. If you fancy yourself as a DIY professional, you could definitely put together your own Deep Cleansing Mud Mask!

On days that I feel my skin is very dry and dull, before I go to bed, I apply some of the Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Overnight Purifying Gel* all over my face. The glycolic acid increases cell turnover to exfoliate the skin, whilst the salicylic acid unclogs pores and reduces blemishes. The niacinamide reduces the production of sebum which causes large pores to develop.

When applying makeup, I use the Benefit Porefessional Primer as my base, as the pore-filling formula smooths out my skin and the oil-free base keeps my skin from becoming shiny. The use of primer allows for smoother application of makeup, especially shimmery products like highlighters. Additionally, if you find your pores looking a little enlarged throughout the day, you can easily pop a little more of the primer on over your makeup.

xxxxEmily

*This post contains some products that were sent to me as PR samples. My opinions and experiences are 100% true and honest.